The threat of strikes by Virgin Atlantic pilots has been averted after a dispute over days off was resolved.

The British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) said it was happy with an agreement reached with the company which will lead to pilots having 120 rostered days off, which the union said is equivalent to an office worker's weekends and bank holidays.

Balpa's general secretary Jim McAuslan said: "Whilst the issue has created much debate, we are now happy with both the agreement and the ground that has been laid for our future relationship with the company.

Virgin Atlantic said: "During the course of these discussions both parties have also identified some opportunities to modernise the relationship between Virgin Atlantic and Balpa in the future and we are looking forward to working on this together."